The Middlebury Inn — Hotel in Middlebury

Although this is a beautiful inn with charming historical features, our experience was mediocre at best. Since it is the only show in town, (other than a chain hotel, which is not within walking distance of downtown Middlebury) Its standards for customer service and fair pricing leave something to be desired.

We needed a place that would allow pets, so our only option was to stay in the "motel" section of the Inn. I was told there was no price differential between the "motel" style room we had, and a standard room at the main Inn, so I expected the same level of accommodation/cleanliness/amenities, etc. The room we had was nothing whatsoever like the main inn. Our room was cramped for 4 people and 2 small dogs. It was dark and musty-smelling, no modern amenities to speak of, very basic. A room such as this, at any other location would go for $99/night on the high-end, and would not smell bad. We joked that we were clearly "in the doghouse". We paid $139/night, plus taxes and an additional $25 pet fee.

Our original stay was to be Sunday-Wednesday (3 nights), however, my husband called the Inn late Saturday night to see whether our room was available (4th night). He was driving there from work and I encouraged him to add a night to our reservation at the Middlebury Inn, rather than stay someplace else. I suggested that it would be very likely discounted given the few hours left in the night, and the fact that we were staying 3 additional nights. He arrived and checked in around 2:15am, asked whether the room could be discounted for the late arrival (and because of the following 3-day stay). He was told "no", because "you already are getting a discounted rate." I called to ask about this upon returning home and thinking more about the very high bill we had just paid. I was told by an associate that we were not getting a discounted rate, and we should have gotten some sort of discount for Saturday night. I was told I would receive a phone call today from the manager. Instead, I received a very curt email offering us a $27.50 (total) discount for Saturday night. The email contained no salutation, no questions or concern expressed regarding our stay, no explanation as to why we were given conflicting information about the rate we paid. Just a simple statement that she was willing to take $27.50 off the first night, although that was not customary, but she would do it because of our extended stay. That email and the way my concerns were addressed is the sole reason for my writing this review. In fact, I have never written a review about anything ever before. Having provided customer service all my life, I can't imagine sending this type of email, regardless of the circumstances, to a customer. Particularly a customer who just paid over $700 to your Inn.

In addition to the overpriced, sub-standard accommodations and lack of concern regarding our experience, we paid over $40 for the breakfast buffet (2 adults, 2 children under age 10), which was nothing special. The food was basic fare, nothing interesting. I thought given the boasting about the chef on the website that there would be at least a few items not typically on a breakfast buffet. Housekeeping consisted of making the beds.

We won't stay here again....mostly, because the staff don't seem to care...

PLEASE READ to save yourself money - There are similar reviews from others warning about this

DECEPTIVE AND MISLEADING!

I booked this hotel expecting a stay in the stunning antique mansion featured in all their photos. What I got instead was a total scam. Upon arrival, I was placed in a shabby side motel next to the mansion that looked NOTHING like the charming, historic building advertised. The photos of the elegant, historic building are nothing but a marketing ploy, as I never even got to stay there. It felt like a bait and switch.

The room I was given was outdated, poorly maintained, and had none of the character promised. Instead of the grand, luxurious mansion, I was stuck in a cheap-looking, bland roadside motel. The walls were paper-thin, the furniture looked like it came from a thrift store, and the overall atmosphere was depressing.

I asked management about moving into the main building, and they were unapologetic, claiming it was “fully booked.” But nowhere on the website did it mention that there was a separate, inferior building for guests. This felt like nothing more than a bait-and-switch to lure people in with false advertising. See the pictures I attached for yourself.

Do not be fooled by their misleading photos! What you see is not what you get. If I knew this was the case, I would have went with a cheaper motel instead. Save your money and your vacation by staying elsewhere. I wouldn’t recommend this...

Reserved a single-night stay in a room with a king bed and kitchenette in the annex. While the old Middlebury Inn building is quaint with historical charms, the annex is like staying in a roadside motel, except there is no cost savings for all that is lacking. A 3/4 inch crack under the entry door - presumably to allow easy access for mice and pests, cracked and shifted tiles on the bathroom floor, a bathtub that looks like it came from a 1950's row house with plumbing fixtures to match, and a sliding door with a layer of filth in the track that opens to NOTHING - just a railing to keep people from falling out - are a few of the more negative highlights of the room. Internet access was unavailable, and upon inquiry the front desk said it was "due to the weather!" (Note - It was 80 degrees with light rain at the time.) Worst of all, there was no hot water in the building on the morning of our stay. Instead of a shower, took a lukewarm sponge bath using a bowl of water heated in the microwave oven. Guess that is what the kitchenette is for! To the good... the location was great; the bed comfortable; the restaurant was good though a bit expensive; and the front desk employees were friendly while they were being unhelpful. It is slim pickings for places to stay in Middlebury, VT, but if other alternatives exist, go...